In February, the 2008 Vic Champs were conducted at Tocumwal. I understand this was the first comp held at Toc and it was a great success. Other than some cloud in the box on Saturday, the weather was great and the hospitality fantastic.
In the months leading up to the comp, Allen Kilpatrich spent a lot of time in the paddock to coach me. Al has great passion for the sport and is always keen to pass on his experience. When Al, wasn't available Rich Wiltshire helped me too. I can blame Rich for my involvement in this sport - his enthusiasm is intoxicating. Thanks guys!
I competed in Intermediate at this comp. Really it was my first serious comp, I did fly at the NSW Champs late last year but only had the plane flying a matter of days before the event, so it was more practice than competition.
I was surprised how nervous I became here at Toc. I'm not sure why, perhaps it's the constant attention required to not make a silly mistake. My flying seemed to be OK. I won the Known, the Free and the Unknown to win Overall. A very pleasing result to say the least! John Lee was never too far behind in his One Design and that kept the pressure on for the entire weekend.
Stu Hutchison (who quickly became known as "Stu the Nav" as he's an RAAF Navigator) and I flew down in formation. Stu lead the way, as a Navigator should, in a Rockwell Commander and I hung with him in the Rebel. Stu was great support during the weekend - thanks mate!
The trip home was a 3 ship with Allen Kilpatrich and Stu in the lead plane with Rich Wiltshire and myself on the wing - it was entertaining for so many reasons...
To see some pictures of the comp check out the photo album.
Thanks to the Vic chapter for a great weekend.
